Core Viewpoint - Saratoga Investment Corp. has declared a base quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, continuing its strong dividend distribution history and providing a 12.5% dividend yield based on its recent stock price of $24.08 per share [1][2]. Dividend Declaration - The declared dividends for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 are as follows: - June 2025: $0.25 per share, record date July 8, 2025, payment date July 24, 2025 - July 2025: $0.25 per share, record date August 6, 2025, payment date August 21, 2025 - August 2025: $0.25 per share, record date September 4, 2025, payment date September 24, 2025 [1]. Historical Dividend Distributions - The total dividend for fiscal year 2026 is projected to be $1.50 per share, with consistent monthly dividends of $0.25 per share since fiscal Q1 2026 [3]. - Historical dividends per share for previous fiscal years include: - Fiscal 2025: $2.96 total, with quarterly distributions of $0.74 - Fiscal 2024: $2.86 total, with quarterly distributions of $0.71 to $0.73 - Fiscal 2023: $2.44 total, with quarterly distributions ranging from $0.53 to $0.69 [3]. Company Overview - Saratoga Investment is a specialty finance company focused on providing customized financing solutions to U.S. middle-market businesses, primarily through senior and unitranche leveraged loans and mezzanine debt [4]. - The company aims to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns through current income and long-term capital appreciation from its investments [4]. - Saratoga Investment is regulated as a business development company and is externally managed by Saratoga Investment Advisors, LLC [4].

Core Viewpoint - Saratoga Investment (SAR) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Revisions - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Saratoga Investment indicates expected earnings of $3.17 per share for the fiscal year ending February 2026, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 16.8% [9]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Saratoga Investment has increased by 0.8%, suggesting a positive trend in earnings estimates [9]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks rating system is based solely on a company's changing earnings picture, making it a valuable tool for investors to gauge stock performance [2][3]. - The system classifies stocks into five groups, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - Saratoga Investment's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10][11].

Core Insights - The Zacks Rank system emphasizes earnings estimates and revisions to identify winning stocks [1] - Value investing remains a preferred strategy for finding strong stocks across various market conditions [2] - The Style Scores system, particularly the "Value" category, helps investors identify stocks with strong value characteristics [3] Company Analysis: Saratoga Investment Corp (SAR) - Saratoga Investment Corp (SAR) holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A, indicating strong potential [4] - The stock's current P/E ratio is 7.44, significantly lower than the industry average of 9.03, suggesting it may be undervalued [4] - SAR's Forward P/E has fluctuated between 5.96 and 8.79 over the past year, with a median of 7.45, indicating stable valuation metrics [4] - The P/S ratio for SAR is 2.46, compared to the industry's average P/S of 3.41, further supporting the notion of undervaluation [5] - These metrics contribute to SAR's strong Value grade, highlighting its potential as an attractive investment opportunity [6]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a hybrid investment strategy that combines classic dividend growth stocks with Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds [1]. Investment Strategy - The company advocates for a balanced approach to investing, focusing on both growth and income to optimize returns [1]. - The strategy aims to create a robust portfolio that not only generates income but also captures total returns on par with the S&P 500 [1].

Company Performance - Saratoga Investment reported quarterly earnings of $0.56 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.77 per share, and down from $0.94 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of -27.27% [1] - The company posted revenues of $31.3 million for the quarter ended February 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.29%, and down from $37.23 million year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Saratoga Investment has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Market Performance - Saratoga Investment shares have increased by approximately 3.9% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of -4.7% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.79 on revenues of $33.7 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.15 on revenues of $137.08 million [7] Industry Outlook - The Financial - SBIC & Commercial Industry, to which Saratoga Investment belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 37% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8] - Empirical research suggests a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which could impact the stock's performance [5][6]

Assets and Investment Performance - Assets Under Management (AUM) as of February 28, 2025, was $978.1 million, a decrease of 14.1% from $1.139 billion as of February 29, 2024, but an increase of 1.9% from $960.1 million as of the last quarter[6]. - Total investment income for the fiscal year 2025 was $148.9 million, an increase of $5.2 million or 3.6% from the previous year, while Q4 investment income was $31.3 million, a decrease of 15.9% year-over-year[6]. - The company originated $41.8 million in one new portfolio company and six follow-ons during Q4, with total originations for the fiscal year at $168.1 million[5]. - The fair value of Saratoga Investment's portfolio was $978.1 million, excluding $204.7 million in cash and cash equivalents[8]. - Cost of investments made during the year ended February 28, 2025, was $168.1 million, including 35 follow-ons and three new portfolio company investments[8]. - Principal repayments during the year ended February 28, 2025, were $312.1 million, including four equity realizations and nine full repayments[8]. - The overall portfolio composition consisted of 88.7% first lien term loans and 7.4% common equity[8]. - The weighted average current yield on the portfolio was 10.8%, with 11.3% on first lien term loans[8]. - Interest income from non-control/non-affiliate investments increased to $119,478,418 in 2025 from $113,521,652 in 2024, an increase of approximately 5.2%[30]. Net Asset Value and Dividends - Net Asset Value (NAV) increased to $392.7 million, up $22.5 million or 6.1% from the previous year, with NAV per share at $25.86[3][5]. - As of February 28, 2025, NAV was $392.7 million, an increase of $22.5 million from $370.2 million as of February 29, 2024[8]. - NAV per share decreased to $25.86 as of February 28, 2025, from $27.12 as of February 29, 2024[8]. - The company declared dividends of $3.31 per share for the fiscal year, a 15.7% increase from $2.86 per share in fiscal 2024, including a special dividend of $0.35 per share[3][5]. - The Board of Directors declared a base quarterly dividend of $0.74 per share for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2025[14]. - The company plans to transition to a monthly dividend structure, increasing the quarterly base dividend to $0.75 per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, implying a 12.1% dividend yield based on the stock price of $24.86[5]. Financial Performance and Ratios - Net Investment Income (NII) per share for the fiscal year was $3.81, down from $4.10 the previous year, with adjusted NII for Q4 at $0.56 per share, reflecting a decrease of 37.2% year-over-year[3][6]. - The company reported a return on equity (ROE) of 7.5% for the fiscal year, up from 2.5% the previous year[3][5]. - Return on equity (ROE) for the last twelve months was 7.5%, up from 2.5% for the comparable period last year[8]. - The asset coverage ratio improved slightly from 161.1% in February 2024 to 162.9% in February 2025[28]. - Weighted average basic and diluted earnings per common share for the year ended February 28, 2025, was $2.02, compared to $0.71 in the previous year[31]. Cash and Liabilities - The company has $204.7 million in cash available for investments or debt repayment, down from $250.2 million in the previous quarter[5]. - The company’s cash and cash equivalents increased significantly from $8,692,846 in February 2024 to $148,218,491 in February 2025, an increase of approximately 1,603.0%[26]. - Total liabilities decreased from $820,981,727 in February 2024 to $798,878,389 in February 2025, a reduction of about 2.7%[26]. - As of February 28, 2025, the company had a total of $292.2 million of undrawn credit facility borrowing capacity and cash[13]. Investment Income and Realized Gains - Net investment income for the year ended February 28, 2025, was $53,002,603, compared to $56,874,308 for the previous year, representing a decrease of about 5.0%[30]. - Total investment income increased to $148,855,238 for the year ended February 28, 2025, up from $143,719,906 in the prior year, an increase of approximately 3.0%[30]. - The net investment income yield for the three months ended February 28, 2025, was 8.4%, compared to 14.0% for the same period in 2024[39]. - The company reported a net realized loss from investments of $42,029,324 for the year ended February 28, 2025, compared to a gain of $153,583 in the previous year[30]. - The net realized gain from investments for the three months ended February 28, 2025, was $7,169,655, compared to a minimal gain of $2,327 in the same period of 2024[33]. - The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for the three months ended February 28, 2025, was a loss of $14,766,637, compared to a loss of $7,164,613 in the prior year[33].

Core Insights - Saratoga Investment Corp. reported a 4.7% sequential quarter and a 6.1% annual increase in Net Asset Value (NAV), while reducing leverage [1] - The company achieved net deployments of $25.9 million in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, supporting one new platform and six follow-on investments, with two additional new portfolio companies since year-end [1] - Non-accruals were reduced to 0.3% of fair value and 0.5% of cost in fiscal 2025, indicating improved credit quality [1] Financial Performance - As of February 28, 2025, Assets Under Management (AUM) were $978.1 million, a decrease of 14.1% from $1.139 billion as of February 29, 2024, but an increase of 1.9% from $960.1 million last quarter [9] - Total investment income for the year ended February 28, 2025, was $148.9 million, an increase of $5.2 million, or 3.6%, from the previous year [9] - For the fiscal fourth quarter, total investment income was $31.3 million, a decrease of $5.9 million, or 15.9%, from the same quarter last year [9] Earnings and Dividends - Net Investment Income (NII) per share for the year was $3.81, compared to $4.10 the previous year, reflecting a dilution from increased share count [5] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the year was $2.02, up from $0.71 in the previous year [5] - The company declared a base quarterly dividend of $0.74 per share for the fiscal fourth quarter and transitioned to a monthly dividend structure, increasing the quarterly base dividend to $0.75 for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [19][18] Portfolio and Investment Activity - The fair value of Saratoga Investment's portfolio was $978.1 million, with 88.7% in first lien debt [8][14] - The company executed approximately $45.5 million of new originations in two new portfolio companies and six follow-ons since quarter-end [11] - The overall portfolio composition included 88.7% first lien term loans, with a weighted average current yield of 10.8% [14] Leverage and Credit Quality - The company reduced its regulatory leverage from 161.1% to 162.9% due to the NAV increase of $22.5 million from the previous year [5] - The overall credit quality remained steady, with 99.7% of credits rated in the highest category, and only two investments on non-accrual status [5][6] - The current cash position was $204.7 million, providing a strong level of cash availability in a volatile macro environment [5]

Investment Strategy - The company has invested primarily in senior and unitranche leveraged loans and mezzanine debt issued by private U.S. middle-market companies, defined as those with EBITDA between $2 million and $50 million[360]. - The company has the ability to invest up to 30.0% of its portfolio in opportunistic investments to enhance returns, including distressed debt and structured finance vehicles[360]. - The company has no current intention to invest in private equity funds exceeding 15.0% of its net assets[360]. - The company’s SBIC subsidiaries provide up to $175.0 million in long-term capital in the form of debentures guaranteed by the SBA[363]. Financing Activities - The company completed the fourth refinancing of the Saratoga CLO, increasing its assets from $500 million to approximately $650 million and investing an additional $14.0 million in subordinated notes[364]. - The company formed Saratoga Investment Funding II LLC to enter into a $50.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which can be increased to $75.0 million within the first two years[366]. - The Live Oak Credit Facility was closed with a commitment of $50.0 million, which can be increased to $75.0 million, and bears interest at a floating rate of Adjusted Term SOFR plus an applicable margin[368]. - The company and TJHA have committed to provide up to a combined $50.0 million of financing to SLF JV, with the company contributing $43.75 million[371]. Investment Performance - The company’s investment in SLF JV includes an unsecured note with a fair value of $16.5 million as of February 28, 2025[371]. - The fair value of Class E Notes held by the company was $12.3 million as of February 28, 2025, and February 29, 2024[374]. - The company expects its debt investments to have terms of up to ten years and to bear interest at either a fixed or floating rate[384]. - The Saratoga CLO portfolio increased from approximately $300.0 million to approximately $500.0 million following the third refinancing[386]. - Non-performing or delinquent investments at fair value decreased to $2.6 million as of February 28, 2025, from $18.9 million in the previous year[404]. Financial Results - Total investment income for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025, was $148.855 million, an increase from $143.720 million in 2024[422]. - Net investment income decreased to $53.003 million in 2025 from $56.874 million in 2024[422]. - The total operating expenses rose to $95.852 million in 2025, compared to $86.846 million in 2024[422]. - The net change in unrealized appreciation on investments was $18.974 million in 2025, a significant recovery from a depreciation of $47.091 million in 2024[422]. Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The company distributed dividends totaling $1.49 per share for the tax year ended February 28, 2026, and $3.30 per share for the tax year ended February 28, 2025[548]. - The company repurchased 1,035,203 shares of common stock at an average price of $22.05 for approximately $22.8 million as of February 28, 2025[542]. - The company extended its Share Repurchase Plan to January 15, 2026, allowing for the repurchase of up to 1.7 million shares[542]. - The company amended its Equity Distribution Agreement to increase the maximum amount of shares to be sold through the ATM Program to $300.0 million[546]. Debt and Borrowing - The average borrowings outstanding under Credit Facilities were approximately $33.1 million for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025, with a weighted average interest rate of 9.49%[443]. - The average borrowings outstanding of SBA debentures was $213.8 million for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.32%[444]. - The Encina Credit Facility has a commitment amount of $50.0 million, with specific eligibility criteria for loan assets included in the Borrowing Base[489]. - The company increased the borrowings available under the Encina Credit Facility from $50.0 million to $65.0 million, and the effective margin rate on borrowings increased from 4.00% to 4.25%[501]. Accounting and Valuation - The company has identified investment valuation, revenue recognition, and capital gains incentive fee expense as its most critical accounting estimates[375]. - The company is currently evaluating the impact of new accounting standards issued by the FASB, including ASU 2023-09 and ASU 2024-03, which require more detailed disclosures on income taxes and expenses[401][402]. - Interest income on the investment in Saratoga CLO is recorded using the effective interest method based on anticipated yield and estimated cash flows[392]. Market and Economic Conditions - The portfolio composition by industry grouping indicated a significant increase in Healthcare Services from 4.5% in 2024 to 8.5% in 2025[416]. - The Midwest region accounted for 37.3% of total investments at fair value in 2025, up from 23.3% in 2024[421].

Core Viewpoint - Saratoga Investment Corp. is set to report its financial results for the fiscal year and quarter ending February 28, 2025, on May 7, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for May 8, 2025, to discuss these results [1][2]. Company Overview - Saratoga Investment is a specialty finance company that provides customized financing solutions to U.S. middle-market businesses [3]. - The company primarily invests in senior and unitranche leveraged loans and mezzanine debt, with a lesser focus on equity, to finance ownership changes, strategic acquisitions, recapitalizations, and growth initiatives [3]. - The objective of Saratoga Investment is to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns through current income and long-term capital appreciation from its debt and equity investments [3]. - The company is regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is externally managed by Saratoga Investment Advisors, LLC, which focuses on credit-driven strategies [3]. - Saratoga Investment operates two active SBIC-licensed subsidiaries and manages a $600 million collateralized loan obligation (CLO) fund, along with a joint venture fund that owns a $400 million CLO [3]. - The company holds 52% of the Class F and 100% of the subordinated notes of the CLO, as well as 87.5% of both the unsecured loans and membership interests of the JV and 87.5% of the Class E notes of the JV CLO [3]. - The diverse funding sources and permanent capital base enable Saratoga Investment to offer a wide range of financing solutions [3].

Core Points - Saratoga Investment Corp. declared a base quarterly dividend of $0.74 per share for the fiscal fourth quarter ending February 28, 2025, payable on March 25, 2025 [1] - The company transitioned its dividend payment schedule from quarterly to monthly starting March 31, 2025, increasing the quarterly dividend to $0.75 per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, which represents a 1.4% increase from the previous four quarters [2][3] - The annualized dividend rate implies an industry-leading 11.8% dividend yield based on a recent stock price of $25.39 per share [2] Dividend History - The new monthly dividends for fiscal Q1 2026 are set at $0.25 per share for March, April, and May 2025, totaling $0.75 for the quarter [2][4] - The total dividend per share for fiscal year 2025 was $3.31, which included a special dividend of $0.35 [4][5] - Historical dividends show a consistent increase over the years, with the base dividend per share rising from $0.70 in fiscal Q1 2024 to $0.74 in fiscal Q4 2025 [4][5] Company Overview - Saratoga Investment is a specialty finance company that provides customized financing solutions to U.S. middle-market businesses, primarily investing in senior and unitranche leveraged loans and mezzanine debt [6] - The company aims to create attractive risk-adjusted returns through current income and long-term capital appreciation from its investments [6] - Saratoga Investment is regulated as a business development company and manages a $650 million collateralized loan obligation (CLO) fund [6]